Market Information for Buyers and Sellers of Toronto area real estate

Monthly Archives: December 2014

Toronto Real Estate Continues Upward Trend in November

A review of the Toronto real estate market shows that it continues its upward trend, with 6,519 residential transactions reported through the Toronto MLS system in November 2014. Results were up by 2.6% compared to November 2013 sales totals of 6,354 sales. From January through the end of November, total sales reached 88,462 – an increase of 6.6% compared to the same period last year.

While sellers enjoyed year-over-year sales increases, the number of active listings continued to be smaller than expected, with available listings at November’s end down compared to last year.

The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) issued a statement that despite the constrained supply of homes for sale, buyers continue to purchase properties with enthusiasm. Home ownership remains an attractive option, as monthly mortgage payments are relatively affordable compared to market rental rates. This combined with the fact that Toronto real estate has proven to be an attractive long-term investment.

Average selling price of $577,936 for November 2014 transactions versus November 2013 was up by 7.4%. The year-to-date average price was up by 8.4% to $567,198.

The strong price growth in Toronto real estate as seen throughout 2014 has been built on a solid foundation, with demand high relative to supply. The triple market drivers of 1.) continued low interest rates 2.) continued immigration into the Greater Toronto Area, and 3.) continuing good economy with ongoing job creation, continue to fuel the ongoing healthy local market. Ongoing competition between prospective buyers has created strong upward pressure on prices – and all these trends appear to be continuing. Unless there is a major shift in the ratio of sales and listings in the Greater Toronto Area, which we do not foresee, rising prices are expected to continue into 2015. Even though prices are at historic highs, the pressure and desirability of home ownership seems to be unabated, and we think that is a good thing for the local Toronto real estate scene, and indeed for the whole Canadian economy.